In a significant escalation of tensions, Venezuela has accused the United States of conducting what it terms an “undeclared war” in the Caribbean, amid a series of American military operations that have reportedly resulted in the deaths of over a dozen individuals alleged to be drug traffickers. The Venezuelan government is now calling for an investigation by the United Nations into these strikes.
In recent weeks, the U.S. has increased its military presence in the region, deploying warships to international waters off the Venezuelan coastline, with additional support from F-35 fighter jets stationed in Puerto Rico as part of an anti-drug operation. This military build-up has prompted Venezuelan authorities to express grave concerns about potential attacks on their territory.
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez, addressing military personnel during a recent exercise aimed at countering perceived U.S. aggression, asserted, “It is an undeclared war. You can already see how people, whether or not they are drug traffickers, have been executed in the Caribbean Sea. Executed without the right to a defense.” He stressed the urgency of responding to what he characterized as a direct military threat from the U.S.
Attorney General Tarek William Saab criticized the operations, labeling them as “crimes against humanity” and calling for international accountability. He highlighted the use of advanced weaponry against small fishing boats as an egregious violation of human rights that merits investigation by the UN.
Foreign Minister Yvan Gil echoed these sentiments, appealing to the UN Security Council to take action against U.S. military activities in the Caribbean, urging an immediate cessation of such operations.
The United States has termed its naval deployment the largest in decades for the region, with claims that its operations are purely aimed at combating drug trafficking. However, the strikes targeting alleged drug boats have incited fears of a broader military strike on Venezuelan soil.
In response to the heightened military posture, Venezuela commenced a series of military drills on La Orchila, a Caribbean island closely situated to recent U.S. activities, including the interception of a Venezuelan fishing vessel. President Nicolas Maduro has called upon citizens to participate in militia training to “defend the homeland,” further mobilizing resources for national defense amidst fears of an invasion fueled by U.S. pressure.
Maduro, facing a bounty of $50 million from Washington due to drug trafficking allegations, views the U.S. actions as part of a broader “imperial plan” aimed at regime change and seizing Venezuelan resources, particularly oil. He has asserted that Venezuela maintains its right to defend itself against what it perceives as unwarranted aggression from the United States.
In contrast, notable opposition leader Henrique Capriles, while critical of Maduro, has firmly opposed any military intervention by the United States, advocating for a political resolution to the crisis. He emphasized that the solution lies in dialogue rather than military confrontation, opposing a path that could escalate the situation further.
As tensions continue to mount, the possibility of an international inquiry into the U.S. military’s actions looms large, with both sides positioning themselves for what could represent a pivotal moment in Venezuelan-U.S. relations.
